What If Drones Start Delivering Packages to your Home?

January 25, 2017

We might not be that far away from a world where drones are buzzing around delivering medicine, food or your latest midnight impulse order. If we had asked this question a couple of years ago, we likely would have been laughed out of the room, but with Amazon completing their first drone delivery in England last December the newest technology might not be as far off as it once seemed. Amazon is continuing to push forward with their Prime Air service—a delivery system designed to safely get packages to customers in 30 minutes or less using unmanned aerial vehicles. Earlier this year they sought out permission for additional testing from the FCC, yet they don’t plan for testing to begin until 2018.

If drones do end up handling even just a small portion of their total deliveries, the impact could be extensive. For example, Amazon might not need as many trucks or other costly logistical operations and payroll. Drones could also have environmental benefits, like reducing reliance on pollution emitting vehicles. The biggest impact will likely be to customers, who according to the Prime Air mission, could be able to receive their orders more quickly.

How do you feel about drone delivery? Would you mind if one dropped in your backyard with a ‘hot’ delivery? Let us know in the comments below.